When there are emergencies that pose an immediate danger to your employees, customers, or even the public, there should be a strategy to minimize the harm. That is what we call a company emergency plan: a document outlining the actions and responses needed in case of any emergency.
Types of emergencies
Some of the emergencies you will need to include in your Emergency Plan are:
• Fire. There are around 22,000 workplace fires every year in the United Kingdom. The most common cause of fires is through the misuse of equipment or appliances.
• Serious injuries.
• Release of radioactivity and chemical spills.
• Earthquakes. They can occur with no warning and can quickly cause mass panic. Your plan should include a meeting point for after the earthquake.
Why is it important to have an Emergency Plan? What are the benefits?
Not only is important to have an Emergency Plan, but you also will need to conduct regular training, so employees know the details. If you don’t have an emergency plan, here are some reasons you should get one:
• Shows that your company cares about safety. Staff and customers’ safety should be a priority for your company .
• Improves employee's knowledge of the matter. If there is a plan in place, employees' response will be faster.
• Minimizes risks. When there is an emergency plan in place, it involves regular training and risk assessments.
• Improves relationships. An emergency plan shows that your company has a commitment to safety. This will improve employee’s trust in the firm.
What should an emergency plan include?
An emergency plan should include responses to potential emergencies that may arise in the workplace. It should be based on your business's characteristics and give as many details as possible. In general, what should it include? Here is some information:
• The method of reporting potential emergencies.
• An evacuation procedure for employees and customers.
• Emergency escape procedures (exit points and refugee areas)
• Specific procedures based on employees' roles.
Steps to start creating an Emergency Plan:
1. Identify the risks your company has.
2. Designate a coordinator or if your company is large, you may need a full department.
3. Ensure regulations and standards are met.
4. Design an evacuation plan. This would probably be used in different emergency situations.
5. Provide training to your staff. One of the most important steps of having an emergency plan is constant training for your staff.
6. Review. Ensure you are continually updating the plan to include any changes.
How can you store your Emergency Plan?
To ensure the accessibility of your Emergency Plan, consider some of these options when storing it:
• Save an electronic copy or your company’s share drive.
• Distribute printed copies to your employees.
• Include a copy throughout the workplace (safety points, stations, common areas…)
• Include it in your training materials and employee orientation sessions.
• Remind your employees on a regular basis about the Emergency Plan and where they can locate it.
You must have plans in place to respond effectively to health and safety incidents and other emergencies that might occur at an event. Your Emergency Plan should be in proportion to the level of risk presented by event activities and the potential extent and severity of the incident.
You may also like: “Health and Safety Basics for your company” or “10 reasons why Workplace Health and Safety is important” .
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